The best traffic-free bike rides in Mendip Hills AONB

There are 13 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails in the Mendip Hills AONB featured in this guide. These routes offer a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult options to suit various skill levels.

The Mendip Hills AONB offers a diverse and engaging experience for gravel bikers. You can expect a mix of surfaces including tarmac, gravel, and mud, traversing ancient woodlands and calcareous grasslands. The region is characterized by its distinctive limestone ridge, providing open, windswept plateaus, dry valleys, and dramatic gorges.

Yes, for an easy and family-friendly option, consider The Strawberry Line – View of the River Brue loop from Sandford. This route is 13.1 km long with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for a relaxed ride. The Strawberry Line itself is a cherished traffic-free path following a disused railway line, offering a safe cycling experience.

The no-traffic gravel trails in Mendip Hills AONB are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.63 out of 5 stars from 59 ratings. Riders often praise the stunning vistas from the limestone ridges, the variety of terrain, and the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes, especially those incorporating sections of the Strawberry Line.

Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel routes in the Mendip Hills AONB are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Shute Shelve Tunnel – Strawberry Line Tunnel loop from Cheddar is a moderate 35.7 km circular route that takes you through varied landscapes.

The Mendip Hills AONB is rich in natural beauty. You might encounter dramatic landscapes like Cheddar Gorge Climb, explore areas near Ebbor Gorge, or enjoy panoramic views from Beacon Batch summit trig point. The region's limestone geology also means you'll find routes skirting past cave entrances, such as those near Goatchurch Cavern.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Mendip Hills offer routes with significant elevation. Consider The Swan Inn – Burrington Combe Road Climb loop from Churchill, a difficult 28.3 km route with nearly 500 meters of ascent, providing a demanding ride through the varied terrain.

The Mendip Hills AONB is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn often provide the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking. The weather is typically milder, and the landscapes are vibrant with seasonal colors. Summer can be great, but be prepared for potentially warmer temperatures, while winter rides might involve muddier sections, especially in wooded areas.

Yes, the Strawberry Line is a highlight for cyclists in the Mendips. Several no-traffic gravel routes utilize sections of this path. For instance, the Strawberry Line Tunnel – Thatchers Cider Mill loop from Banwell is a moderate 26.1 km route that includes parts of this popular traffic-free trail.

Yes, the Mendip Hills are known for their varied elevation. Routes like the Mendip Hills Scenic Descents – Middle Down Drove Bridleway loop from Cheddar offer substantial climbs and rewarding descents. This moderate 19.2 km route features over 420 meters of elevation gain, providing a good workout and scenic views.

Parking is generally available at various points around the Mendip Hills AONB, often near trailheads or villages that serve as starting points for routes. For specific routes, it's advisable to check the tour details on komoot for recommended parking locations, which are usually indicated by other users or the route creator.